Serrano hot pepper, an excellent and spicy substitute for the Jalapeño pepper
Serrano chilli peppers are also known as green chillies, as they are usually eaten unripe. It originates from Mexico where it is consumed in large quantities, often as a hotter substitute for the Jalapeño. It usually contains twice as much spiciness as the Jalapeño, about 10,000-25,000 SHU (Scoville Heat Units).
One of the reasons for the popularity of this hot chilli is that it is easy to combine in many dishes. To add them to sauces it is not necessary to peel them, once roasted or cooked they are crushed and ready to turn an innocent sauce into Satan's grandmother's sauce.
In other recipes it is used fresh or pickled as a complement, although the latter reduces the pepper's spiciness.
Serrano hot chilli cultivation, high irrigation demand
It is advisable to wait until the frosts are over before germinating, which in the Mediterranean area are from late February or early March. The germination should be done indoors.
Once the outdoor temperature does not fall below 10ºC, the plants can be progressively taken outdoors. Its main demand is hydration, so watering every 2-3 days is necessary unless an automatic watering system is used.
